[ LETTER ]

School Safety

Published: Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 12:07 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 12:07 a.m.

In response to interim Superintendent John Stewart's letter ["Our Thoughts, Hearts Go Out Sandy Hook Community While We Focus on Preparedness," Dec. 20], thank you so much for the typical response-to-tragedy lip service we have come to expect from the Polk County School Board.

As a former elementary school teacher (10 years with the Polk County School Board), I, for one, know that policies and procedures are only as effective as the follow through at school level allows them to be. It saddens me to know that there are schools within the county and across the nation that do not consistently adhere to the safety procedures that have been put into place to protect our students and staff members.

Not until all administrators are held accountable for their own actions, as well as the actions of their teachers and staff, will our schools be the "safe and nurturing environments" that have been promised for our "most treasured gifts."

I would encourage parents and caregivers nationwide to visit their children's schools as soon as possible to see what procedures are in place to keep the students safe. How much difficulty do you have in gaining access to the school campus itself? Are the doors locked, or could you enter a classroom in the blink of an eye? Are there security personnel onsite, or were they relieved of their duties upon serving the day after a horrible national tragedy? These questions need to be asked, and our schools need to provide answers.

<p>In response to interim Superintendent John Stewart's letter ["Our Thoughts, Hearts Go Out Sandy Hook Community While We Focus on Preparedness," Dec. 20], thank you so much for the typical response-to-tragedy lip service we have come to expect from the Polk County School Board.</p><p>As a former elementary school teacher (10 years with the Polk County School Board), I, for one, know that policies and procedures are only as effective as the follow through at school level allows them to be. It saddens me to know that there are schools within the county and across the nation that do not consistently adhere to the safety procedures that have been put into place to protect our students and staff members.</p><p>Not until all administrators are held accountable for their own actions, as well as the actions of their teachers and staff, will our schools be the "safe and nurturing environments" that have been promised for our "most treasured gifts."</p><p>I would encourage parents and caregivers nationwide to visit their children's schools as soon as possible to see what procedures are in place to keep the students safe. How much difficulty do you have in gaining access to the school campus itself? Are the doors locked, or could you enter a classroom in the blink of an eye? Are there security personnel onsite, or were they relieved of their duties upon serving the day after a horrible national tragedy? These questions need to be asked, and our schools need to provide answers.</p><p>MATTHEW J. SMITH</p><p>Lakeland</p>